Star Weekly - Northern - 4th March 2025

Music to ejoy on the lawn

Pack a picnic and make your way to Thomastown on March 30 for an afternoon of live music at the picturesque historic Ziebell’s Farmhouse and Heritage Garden.

The Gardenia Road farmhouse and garden will host Music on the Lawn, featuring local performers, from 2.5pm.

Among those set to entertain event-goers is local poetic rock band, The Bone Folders, who will perform an acoustic set.

Band member Ian Marks said the set will include an original song, Bluestone & Roses, which is about the German settlement of the area.

Ziebell’s Farmhouse and Heritage Garden form part of the Thomastown Pioneer Precinct, which includes the Westgarthtown dairy farming settlement. The area was established in 1850 by German and Wendish immigrants.

Marks said Music on the Lawn coincides with the 175th anniversary celebrations of the arrival of the German and Wendish immigrants to the area.

“This will be a very special day in an unique and historical part of suburban Melbourne,“ he said.

Music on the Lawn will be held at 100 Gardenia Road, Thomastown.

Mayor refuses to resign

By Laura Michell

Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon has refused to bow to calls for him to resign from the office of mayor.

On February 18, Whittlesea’s 10 other councillors voted unanimously to call for Cr McLindon’s resignation as mayor amid mounting public outcry over his decision to contest a by-election in the state seat of Werribee just nine weeks after being elected mayor.

The councillors called on the mayor to resign as they do not have the power to remove him from the role under the Local Government Act. They also passed a vote of no confidence in

Cr McLindon, citing his alleged breaches of the Model Code of Conduct and breaches of public confidence in the position of mayor and the wider council.

Two weeks earlier on February 4, the same 10 councillors voted to make an application for Cr McLindon to face internal arbitration over alleged breaches of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct in the media and in social media posts in the lead up to and during his candidacy for the by-election.

A petition calling for the mayor to resign, which was signed by 1153 people, was tabled at during the February 18 meeting.

It stated that the residents of Whittlesea deservedamayorwhoprioritisedtheirinterests

over his own political career.

Cr McLindon told Star Weekly he would not resign as mayor.

“On what grounds?” he said.

“I will continue to represent the City of Whittlesea without fear or favour.

“The calls for my resignations are baseless.”

Cr McLindon said the allegations levelled against him were “false” and described the vote by councillors as a “political flogging”.

He also questioned the validity of the petition. “I question the validity of the petition given it is coming from Change.org. There is no validity of the signatures. I would not be surprised if the majority [of signatories] were not Whittlesea residents,” he said.

CrMcLindonsaidthecallsforhisresignation and vote of no confidence had strengthened his resolve to “stand up for Whittlesea”.

“I am not going to back down,” he said.

“At the end of the day as councillors, we are elected to make decisions and our focus must be on doing the basics brilliantly. Last night was a political distraction that does not do any favours for the city.”

The vote of no confidence, which was in response to the petition, was moved by Cr Martin Taylor – the same councillor who nominated Cr McLindon for the role of mayor just 91 days earlier.

 Continued: Page 8.

The Bone Folders’ Ian Marks at Ziebell’s Farmhouse. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 461471_03

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A fix for Main Street considered

By Laura Michell

Entering and exiting Craigieburn Central’s main street could become a lot easier for motorists if Hume council decides to install a roundabout at the Aldi end of the road.

Main Street currently features a roundabout atthenorthernoftheroad,providingmotorists with the opportunity to turn around and continue down the opposite side of the road. But at the southern end of Main Street, their only option is to turn left into the Aldi car park or continue out onto Craigieburn Road. As a result, many motorists opt to perform

an illegal U-turn so they can head north along the road.

At a council meeting on Monday, February 24, councillors voted to consider installing a roundabout at the Aldi end of Main Street as part of its four-year capital works program.

Cr Jim Overend, who raised the issue at the council meeting, said Main Street is heavily used and congested.

He said the absence of a roundabout at the Aldi end of the road adds to the congestion and leads to road rage and accidents.

“What is currently happening, motorists are ignoring the ’no U-turn’ sign and making

dangerous manoeuvres to get back around, narrowly missing vehicles trying to get out of the Big W carpark,” he said.

“I have witnessed on many occasions road rage when the vehicle cannot get around because a vehicle, who is legally trying to exit the carpark, doesn’t move.

“If you come in off Craigieburn Road you can’t enter into the Aldi carpark so you get cars trying to do illegal U-turns over the median strip to enter the carpark.”

Cr Daniel English said Main Street was a “frustrating little strip of road”.

He said a roundabout was needed to bring

Donate your prams for a good cause

Big Group Hug (BGH) needs your help and needs your previously loved prams.

The group, which operates out of Tarneit and Thomastown, has experienced a continued rise in community members requesting aid.

Fundraising manager Maria Quigley said there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of children the organisation has supportedcomparedtothesametimelastyear.

“Every family we help is experiencing severe financial hardship for various reasons,” she said.

“For most, the rising cost of living is making ithardertomakeendsmeet,butanalarming18 per cent of requests are due to family violence.”

BGH are particularly desperate for double and tandem prams so parents can transport a newbornandyoungsibling,ortwins,insafety.

Any donated prams need to have a five-point harness, working breaks and a sun hood.

Cleaningthepramsfirstisalsoahugehelpto the volunteers as it allows them to get them to families in need sooner.

“Having a pram can be incredibly impactful

forafamily–itprovidesmobility,andincreases community connection,” Ms Quigley said.

“The provision of a pram enables them to leave the home with young children to attend medical appointments and visit friends or the supermarket, transporting the children safely.”

BGH is always welcoming volunteers to perform a variety of roles and offers flexible shifts suitable for all different lifestyles.

Details: www.biggrouphug.org

Jaidyn Kennedy

the Aldi end of the road into line with the northern end.

“If you are not a local, you get down one end and you are like, oh, what do I do now?’” he said. “I have used it plenty of times where you do the right thing, go into the carpark, come around, and you see three or four people do an illegal U-turn in front of you. You might have seenacoupleofcarparksupthe[other]endbut you just know that those people are in front of you and have lost your car park.”

Mayor Jarrod Bell said a roundabout at the southern end could be “a saving grace” for many.

Help advance reconciliation

Whittlesea council is calling for First Peoples and their allies to collaborate as members of the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (WRG).

The WRG was formed in 2001 and has a long and proud history of working in partnership with council to advance reconciliation in the community. In recent years, the knowledge and expertise of WRG members has been instrumental in planning for the Aboriginal Gathering Place and developing council’s Aboriginal Action Plan 2024-2029.

The council is keen to work with the WRG on a number of important initiatives in the coming years, including embedding First Peoples voices in council’s advisory groups and committees.

Other priorities include monitoring and evaluating Aboriginal programs deliveredthroughcouncilandpartnering with the Wurundjeri and Taungurung Peoples on the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Councilhascommencedanexpression of interest process to recruit new members to the WRG.

Community members are appointed for an initial one-year term, with the option to extend their membership for two further one-year appointments.

Prospective members must live, work or study in the Whittlesea for the duration of their term and be able to attend at least four meetings a year.

Expressions of interest close on February 28.

Details: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ wrgeoi

“I

Big Group Hug needs your prams. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 459423_01

Tensions flare over committee

By Laura Michell

A Rainbow Advisory Committee has been set up in Whittlesea despite objection from the mayor.

Councillors endorsed the establishment of the committee, adopted its terms of reference and nominated two councillors to sit on the committee during the February 18 council meeting.

Council’s community wellbeing director Agata Chmielewski told the meeting that the council’s administrators had resolved to create the committee following a

petition to council in May 2024, signed by 12 people.

Cr Lawrie Cox nominated Cr David Lenberg as council’s representative on the committee, with Cr Blair Colwell as his proxy.

He said the LGBTIQA+ community was a “strong community within our community and within our staff”.

Mayor Aidan McLindon disagreed with the committee’s formation, adding that he didn’t believe it was a “local government issue” and questioned whether it should be created off the back of a petition signed by

12 people.

“I firmly believe our focus needs to be roads, rates and rubbish and do the basics brilliantly,” he said.

“I do believe services are in place to help these people.

“Our childcare centres, kindergartens and primary schools need to let our kids be kids and adults be adults.”

When Cr Colwell raised a point of order to question the relevance of kindergartens to the committee, Cr McLindon said he believed kindergartens would be enveloped in the committee.

Signal boxes are colourful art works

Traffic light signal boxes on Craigieburn Road have been adorned with local art to illustrate Craigieburn’s unique community.

The 30 signal boxes installed at 15 locations create an art trail along the 6.5 kilometre section of upgraded road.

Signal boxes house the technology needed to run traffic lights including electrical switching and microprocessor control units. They have been upgraded as part of a major Craigieburn Road upgrade which will open all its lanes in November.

From artist submissions, seven artists were

selected to adorn the boxes in pieces that celebrate connection, culture, the environment and local flora and fauna.

The artists include Lisa Buckland, who has moved to digital mediums to celebrate the connections within nature and Will Elka, celebrating the tapestry of time and contemporary life.

Artist Raghad Rihan, weaves culture together, celebrating her Palestinian roots amongst connections with local and global communities on his boxes. Kathleen Jessop uses intricate surreal and expressionist styles

to express the unforeseen forces that shape the natural world within her pieces.

Other artists include Yvonne Bradford, capturing animals and birds, Alex Rivette, a current student at the Australian Catholic University and Ghassan, an artist developing and working since 1979.

The upgrades are amongst increased lanes, sixnewtrafficlights,siximprovedintersections and a new pedestrian crossing near the Craigieburn Sports Stadium.

Kaija Du

“We need to find out if the committee will take in children,” he said.

During the debate Cr McLindon issued two warnings to Cr Cox, whom he said was “making statements designed to embarrass council or the mayor” after Cr Cox said the mayor had failed to rule on the point of order and had instead debated the issue.

As tension flared, council chief executive Craig Lloyd was forced to step in and urge Cr McLindon to not escalate the situation.

Council’s new fee policy

A new policy that aims to keep fees and charges fair, transparent and affordable has been adopted by Whittlesea council.

Council said the pricing policy –fees and charges responds to growing financial challenges it is facing as the rising cost of essential service delivery outpaces fee increases.

Council said the policy commits to balancing affordability while maintaining service quality. In line with the policy, fees and charges will reflecttheactualcostofservicedelivery while considering affordability, community benefit and equity.

The policy has seven guiding principles to determine how council will set its fees and charges which include financial sustainability, recognising the significance of service to the community, equity, access and inclusion.

It will apply to services that have non-statutory fees or changes applied, not including rates.

Mayor Aidan McLindon said setting fees and charges for service delivery is always a difficult balancing act between the cost of delivering the service and the impact on community.

“Council is acutely aware of the cost-of-living pressures that many residents are feeling which we have taken into account in deliberating the new fees and charges structure,“ he said.

“Thisnewpolicyensurescouncilhas a framework to apply fees and charges in a consistent, fair and transparent way while ensuring we take into consideration community impact.

“This is another step towards ensuring transparency and good governance.”

Whittlesea Council seeks intermodal hub assurances

Whittlesea council has moved to strengthen key planning controls in an important step towards delivering the first stage of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct.

Council has made a submission to the planning minister on proposed changes to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme as part of the precinct development.

The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, located in the municipality’s north-west, will be a major freight and logistics hub adjoining the existing Melbourne-Albury-Sydney rail corridor, a report to the February 18 council meeting stated.

Itwillsupportthemovementofmorefreight rail between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane

and Perth, and deliver increased productivity, stronger supply chains and reduced road congestion, the council report said.

Council has long been an advocate for the project due to the expected economic benefits, with the precinct forecast to contribute an estimated $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.

The precinct will also provide increased employmentopportunitiesinthemunicipality through the creation of both direct and indirect jobs.

The initial stage – referred to as stage 1a will involve building a permanent rail connection to the rail freight corridor and an interim intermodal terminal.

The interim terminal, to be delivered by the Commonwealth-owned National Intermodal Corporation, will have the capacity to handle up to two 1800-metre interstate freight trains a day.

Planning for stage 1b, featuring the permanent intermodal terminal, and stage 2, comprising the broader employment precinct, will continue throughout 2025.

Council’s submission aims to ensure issues such as transport infrastructure, environmental management and cultural heritage are addressed prior to construction starting this year.

Council wants NIC to upgrade Beveridge Road as part of stage 1a and to contribute

to the upgrade of the broader road network, including in the Mitchell council area.

Councillor Christine Stow welcomed the council’s submission, noting that the intermodal hub would be beneficial for the city.

“This is a large development site providing 7000 jobs and opportunities in the northern part of our municipality,“ she said.

Mayor Aidan McLindon said it was a “transformative infrastructure project“ for the region.

“Weareexcitedforthisprojecttoprogressto theconstructionstageandforourcommunity to start reaping the benefits of this substantial investment,“ he said.

Raghad Rihan, Omar Rihan, Yvonne Bradford, Kathleen Jessop, Ghassan Fatoohi, Alex Rivette, Kalkallo MP Ros Spence, Will Elika andLisa Buckland.

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Building blocks of play

Upgradedplayspaceshavebeenunveiledatthe YMCAEarlyLearningCentreinEppingNorth as part of the state government’s building blocks grants.

YMCA Victoria chief executive Carolyn Morris said the more than $87,700 upgrades included a new chicken coop, pergola, concreting, shade sails and overall improvements to safety outdoors.

“Our children voted unanimously that they wanted to retain the chickens and that an upgraded chicken coop needed to be factored into the upgrade,“ she said.

“They love learning about them and having the chooks around.”

The upgrades were celebrated over morning tea with Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny. The grants also includes more than $150,000 across YMCA early learning centres for inclusive equipment, to support children of all abilities.

Ms Morris announced that $11,092 of this grant will be allocated to Epping North for inclusion resources and IT products and services.

“Theadditionalfunding…willfurtherboost theopportunitiesforthechildrenofallabilities to participate in child-centred learning,” she said.

Kaija Du

Briefs

Alleged stabbings

A 17-year-old girl has been charged over the alleged stabbing for a teenager girl and a security guard at Pacific Epping on Friday night. Police were called to reports of a fight involving three girls about 9.20pm. Police said a security guard attempted to stop the fight and was stabbed in the stomach by one of the girls. Investigators have been told the girl then chased the other two teenagers and stabbed one of them several times before leaving the scene. A 14-year-old girl and the security guard, a 19-year-old man from Lalor, were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the Whittlesea area on Saturday morning where a 17-year-old girl was arrested.

South Morang fatal collision

Police are investigating a fatal collision in South Morang on Tuesday, February 26. It is believed a female driver was travelling along Gorge Road when she the car she was driving collided with a truck about 9.30am. The impact of the collision caused the car to burst into flames. Emergency workers tried to save the woman, but sadly she died at the scene. The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old Epping man, was arrested at the scene and was interviewed by detectives.

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We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building North East Link. We’re also upgrading the Eastern Freeway and completing the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough, making travelling around Melbourne quicker and safer.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Hurstbridge Line

Until last train 27 Mar

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Service Road, Watsonia

At times until late Mar

Doncaster Road, Doncaster At times overnight, until late Mar

Greensborough Bypass, Watsonia North

Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie

At times overnight, until May

Until mid 2025

M80 Ring Road, Greensborough 10pm to 5am each night, 12 to 13 Mar

Heidelberg to Eltham

Between Todman and Sarong streets

Lanes between Eastern Freeway and Hender Street

Between Civic Drive and Grimshaw Street

Lanes between Crew Street and Greensborough Highway

Greensborough-bound between Plenty Road and Greensborough Bypass

Marisa Mella, Surmeet Kaur, Roseanne De Vané are joined by YMCA Victoria chief Carolyn Morris and MP Bronwyn Halfpenny. (Supplied)

Moore stands for Calwell

By Tara Murray

Former Hume mayor Carly Moore has quit the Labor Party to contest the seat of Calwell as an independent candidate at the upcoming federal election.

Cr Moore said it was an easy decision to quit the party as she felt the Labor’s priorities were not quite right.

“I think as a community we have been let down,” she said.

“We are in a pretty safe Labor seat and have been for a while.

“We haven’t seen our fair share. I don’t think that it is improving and the community has been taken advantage of for a long time.“

Cr Moore, who has been a Hume councillor for the past eight years and is a three-time mayor, announced her federal election plans on Wednesday.

The seat of Calwell is held by Labor’s Maria Vamvakinou, who is retiring before at election, which is due by mid-May.

Her former adviser, Palestinian-Australian Basem Abdo has been named as the Labor candidate for the seat.

The seat covers all of the Hume council area to the left of Sydney Road and the Hume Freeway.

Cr Moore said she believes that she’s the perfect person to represent Calwell.

At the Hume council elections last year, Cr Moore received 82 per cent of first preference votes in Aitken Ward, which is believed to be the highest in the state.

She said she first thought of standing in the federal election in October, and the more she thought about it, the more it made sense.

“I’ll support the community and hopefully they will support me,” she said.

“I’ve been a councillor for eight years and I’m happy to be a councillor.

“I live here and work here and I have the community’s best interest at heart. They trust me and I think I will have strong support.

“I think we do some really good work. I want to be part of a lot more to be able to make change.”

Cr Moore cited the cost of living as the biggest issue affecting Calwell residents.

“I see it through the council rate arrears reports and the mortgage stress,“ she said.

What’s on

Have you applied for kinder? It’s free

Applications for 3-year-old kindergarten in 2026 and 4-year-old kindergarten in 2027 are open. It’s free to apply and free to attend.

Kindergarten is an educational program for children delivered by qualified early childhood teachers. Children who attend a kindergarten are more independent, confident and more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school.

If you need help with the kindergarten application in your home language, we are here to support you.

For more information and to apply, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/kinder

Another big thing for Cr Moore is the lack of plans for a hospital in Craigieburn.

She highlighted a situation last year where her father spent seven hours ramped at Northern Hospital, saying it was one of the busiest emergency rooms which was catering for massive growth.

“We will have a population the size of Canberra and there’s no plans to build a hospital [in Craigieburn].”

Charges over loaded guns

Police have charged four men after they allegedly uncovered two loaded firearms during an extended follow through Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

A BMW X5, which had allegedly come topoliceattentionearlierintheweek,was spotted on Blair Street by the Dog Squad who were patrolling in Broadmeadows about 1am on February 21.

The Air Wing were called in and detected the vehicle being drive at fast speeds on Camp Road. The BMW was driven through Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Greenvale and Meadow Heights before one of the occupants allegedly threw a bag from the window in Kyabram Street, Broadmeadows.

As the Air Wing continued to follow the car, police units on the ground found the bag which contained a loaded firearm. The five occupants abandoned the BMW in Railway Crescent in Dallas where they interacted with the occupants of a Hyundai i30.

Officers deployed stop sticks at the intersection of Blair and Belfast streets and the i30 came to a complete stop.

Two males and a female surrendered and were arrested.

A search of the dumped BMW uncovered a loaded homemade firearm.

A 20-year-old Broadmeadows man was charged with a range of offences including prohibited person possessing a firearm and theft of motor vehicle.

A 22-year-old Campbellfield man, a 21-year-old Meadow Heights man and a 20-year-old Campbellfield man were all charged with theft of motor vehicle.

Community Festival is coming soon

Get ready for a free community event packed with fun, connection and activities for all ages.

There will be live music, entertainment, cultural performances, theatre shows, pet expo, food and lots more on the day. From kids to older adults there’s something for everyone.

When: 11am to 5pm, Sunday 16 March

Where: Civic Centre lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/communityfestival

Carly Moore is standing as an independent in the seat of Calwell. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 460692_01

Take our federal election survey

With a federal election due by mid-May, Star Weekly wants to know what issues matter most to voters across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.

Voters will head to the polls to have their say on the next federal government by May 17.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is yet to reveal when the election will be head, the constitutional requirement that there must be a minimum of 33 days between writs being issued by the governor-general, which dissolves parliament after the prime minister calls the election, and polling day, means the

vote will take place sometime in April or May.

As one of the largest publishers of independent regional news in Victoria, Star Weekly is conducting a survey to gauge community sentiment around the election.

The results of the survey will help us gauge theappetiteamongreaderstowardthefederal election.

The survey, which can be completed online or in print, includes 16 questions and will take about five minutes to complete.

We will share the results of the survey with readers.

Star Weekly wantstoknowwhatourreaders

consider to be the most important issue in their area that the next federal government needs to address.

We also want to know how important issues such as electricity prices, climate change policies, inflation and cost of living, health services, immigration and border control, national road and rail infrastructure, water infrastructure and broadband internet access are to you.

The survey also features questions about nuclear energy in Australia and reducing carbon emissions.

Readers are also being asked to consider

College recycling initiative pays off

Kolbe Catholic College has introduced an innovative new recycling initiative known as the Containers for Charities program, encouraging students and staff to recycle bottles and cans while supporting a good cause.

The new program aims to not only benefit the environment but also foster a sense of civic responsibility among students. By combining environmental action with school spirit, Kolbe Catholic College is setting an example for other institutions says principal Nick Scully.

The student-led initiative allows participants to earn points for their house in the school’s Shield Competition while raising funds for charity.

This friendly competition motivates individuals to recycle regularly and the students can take pride making a tangible difference in the community.

Each recycled item contributes 10 cents to a charity selected by the Student Leadership Team at year’s end.

Mr Scully praised the program and said it empowers students to want to create change

not only for the school, but for the whole community.

“Our students are committed to making a difference in the community and creating a more sustainable future,” he said.

Mr Scully said it was a demonstration of how small actions can contribute to larger community goals and build a better future for all.

“The containers for charities program is a fantastic way for everyone to contribute positively, one bottle at a time.”

Tom Ingleton

where they would most like to see a local increase in federal funding and why, the specific infrastructure projects they want funded locally, and issues in their backyard that they feel federal politicians are not paying enough attention to.

Star Weekly also wants to gauge readers’ concerns about issues such as global security, housing affordability and the influence of social media on public discourse and political decision-making in Australia.

To complete the survey, turn to page 20, or visit: https://starweekly.com.au/ competitions/

More space for kindergarten

Aitken Hill Integrated Community Centre has received a boost with a modular kindergarten built off site opening.

The new building has two rooms with space for 66 three and four year-olds which will help the students and families have kindergarten and primary schools close together.

The introduction is part of the state government Building Blocks partnership with Hume council to provide kindergartens close to home and close to, or within primary schools. This limits the need for parents to travel and makes the transition into school easier.

The buildings, constructed in factories are assembled on the campus before connecting utilities and landscaping the area.

“This new kinder in Craigieburn will givemorechildrenintheareathechance to attend a great local kindergarten, where they can learn, play and make new friends” Kalkallo MP Ros Spence said.

All new government schools since 2021 have also required the construction of a kinder in or near the campus. The modular buildings can help make this easier.

Whittlesea mayor refuses to resign despite motion of no confidence

Cr Taylor said Cr McLindon had to resign as mayor to allow “the integrity of the council to be restored” and for public confidence to be rebuilt.

“In moving this motion, we send a clear message that the people of the City of Whittleseadeserveamayorthattheycantrust and has their best interests at heart,” he said.

“The mayor must be a figure of unity, not division; a beacon of trust, not controversy; and be an advocate for all councillors and

residents and not a perceived source of disharmony.

“A mayor must demonstrate ethical leadership and not bring disrepute to the council they lead.

“And when the office of mayor is called into question, the very credibility of the council they lead is at stake.”

Cr Lawrie Cox said the community had registered “fairly significant displeasure”, noting that he had never seen so many signatures on a petition to council before.

“This is not a witch hunt, it is not a

campaign issue … about the seat of Werribee … this is about the Whittlesea council and it isareflectionupontheWhittleseacounciland the Whittlesea community,” he said.

“The behaviours have been identified and the allegations will be tested in due course.”

Local Government Minister Nick Staikos will be notified of the council’s decision and provided with a copy of the petition. Mr Staikos has the power to intervene and remove Cr McLindon as mayor.

OnFebruary21,CrMcLindontooktosocial media to state he had made a “wide-ranging complaint” to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), in the hope it would “assist in ensuring our council is firmly focused on the community in an accountable and transparent way”.

AnIBACspokespersonsaidthecommission does not comment on whether it has received complaints or on investigations before it.

Mr Staikos did not respond to questions from Star Weekly about whether he intended to intervene and if he was concerned by the position the council had found itself in so early in its term.

Kalkallo MP Ros Spence and Hume mayor Jarrod Bell visit the centre. (Supplied)

James, Rhien, Shanette, Yanni, Ashleigh and Addison cleaning up. (Supplied)

Surgeon helps women feel whole

of modern breast cancer treatment is the importanceofhopeandthattherecanbealight at the end of the tunnel.

“Traditionally, people think of what they see in movies, but we’re so good at treating people now and really making sure their side effects are well-controlled that we have a very different ethos,” Dr Chakrabarti said.

By Jaidyn Kennedy

“Women’s health has always been a passion of mine,” would probably sufficiently explain why Dr Anannya Chakrabarti is a reconstructive breast surgeon, but it wouldn’t do the journey professionals and patients go on justice.

Practising in a highly-specialised field, Dr Chakrabarti said breast surgery is a good mix between science and art.

“There is quite a lot of satisfaction in my job that you get to see the strength and resilience of the women that I treat,” she said.

The reality of women battling breast cancer and going through a mastectomy, the surgical removal of one or both breasts, is having to come to terms with losing an integral part of oneself.

“Rebuilding a woman’s breast is very important for their psychology after such a devastating diagnosis,” Dr Chakrabarti said.

“Being able to give them some semblance of normalityafteressentiallyamajorlifeeventcan be very satisfying.”

Another reality of experiencing and treating breast cancer is that it is it can be emotionally intensive time.

“Emotionally, it can be quite taxing at times,” Dr Chakrabarti said. “You see people’s relationships go through a bit of a rollercoaster, but most people pull through quite nicely.

“It’s very satisfying seeing them celebrate milestoneslikehavingchildrenafterdiagnosis.”

Which is why one of the prevailing messages

“What I tell patients is ‘Look, it’s a busy time in your life, it does go through very quickly and obviously not everyone has the same story but the majority of people are cured.”

“So it’s all about hope and moving forward.”

Despitehowoverwhelmingandlife-changing abreastcancerdiagnosiscanbe,DrChakrabarti explained that it is important to not let the condition rule one’s life.

“People do have control over what they do, they can exercise during their treatment, and continue to work during their treatment,” she said. “It shouldn’t be taking over your life, you should be doing all the normal things you normally do.

“No one ever wants to hear it, but you’ve got to just think I’m having treatment for a medical condition.”

Some important points to remember when having a discussion about breast cancer is that earlydetectioniskingandthatmen,evenifthey make up less than one per cent of diagnoses in Australia, can develop breast cancer.

Dr Chakrabarti said no man or woman is an island, and that is especially the case during arduous medical procedures.

“It’simportanttounderstandthatyouarenot just treating the individual, you are treating the whole unit,” she said. “There is a lot more we candoasasocietytohelpthosewhoarehelping the person going through it.

“Ithinkthatprobablythefamilygoesthrough it more- It’s like when you are giving birth the husband is sort of sitting there more anxious.”

Dr Anannya Chakrabarti is a reconstructive breast surgeon at Mercy Health. (Supplied)

Helping victim-survivors to heal

WestCASA is a community based not-for-profit sexual assault counselling service operating in the western suburbs. Jaidyn Kennedy discovered the ways the organisation is helping victim-survivors on their recovery journeys.

“When you’re in that situation, you don’t think there is any way out,” is a statement that many victim survivors of sexual assault the world over may understand on a deeper level than most.

For Gabriela, not her real name, it took years to escape an abusive marriage with her five children.

In a dangerous environment, finding the strength to use your voice is no easy task.

“When you are trapped in family violence circumstances, it’s just so hard to talk about it,” Gabriela said.

Trusting someone else to listen can be another story altogether.

“It’s very hard to trust people – you don’t think anyone is ever going to believe you, ever going to hear you,“ Gabriela said.

Not only did Gabriela feel trapped in her own relationship, but restricted in what she could say or do by the culture that surrounded her.

“That’s how you’ve been brought up, that’s how you see things and you don’t know any other way,“ she said.

“You think you need to make a man happy, and that is your job, so it feels like massive shame and guilt [to speak up].”

The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault, or WestCASA, exists to ensure victim-survivors like Gabriela have a place to safely tell their story and can find the resources they need to heal.

Everyone involved in the establishment of the organisation in 1987 had lived experience as victim-survivors of sexual assault.

Some of the services the centre directly provides include direct counselling, information on legal options, coaching for daunting tasks such as appearing in court and to referrals to doctors who are sensitive to the needs of victim-survivors.

In WestCASA, Gabriela found refuge.

“Before [WestCASA] I was so lost, I was so hurt, I was in so much pain, I didn’t think I could live another day“ she said.

“But every time I left a session with my counsellor, I felt like I had added something to my personality.”

An important step in navigating sexual assault is regaining a sense of agency, Gabriela said.

She said taking back control of her life was an amazing feeling.

“I am just finding myself more and more, and as you feel that power and having more control of your life, you realise, yes, I am in control,“ she said.

“Just realising all these choices makes you feel so much stronger and people around you recognise you’ve changed.

“When they verbalise it and you hear it, it makes you want to do more, it makes you want to achieve more.”

Gabriela acknowledged there will always be setbacks on the road to recovery.

“Yes, the memories are there, the flashbacks are there, it comes and goes, but I keep moving forward,“ she said.

As the western suburbs continue to grow and incorporate new community members from the across the world, WestCASA has adapted and evolved to ensure it can support the different cultures that call the west home.

WestCASAboardchairMohanaMahadevan, a migrant from Singapore of Ceylonese Tamil heritage, has experience as a social worker helping asylum seekers and refugees settle in Australia.

She has seen first-hand the obstacles culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities can face addressing sexual assault.

“In many cultures, discussing sexual violenceistaboo,leadingtosilenceanddenial,” she said.

“This culture of silence perpetuates the cycle of trauma, preventing survivors from seeking

the help and support they desperately need.”

Mohana observed a gap between those who admit they have been subjected to sexual violence and those who actively seek support.

“Iobservedthatthoughdisclosuresofsexual assault and sexual violence were high, the desire to talk about or heal from it was low,“ she said.

“There was a tendency to leave the past behind, a tendency to not taint the future for therestofthefamilyandthewidercommunity.

“This lack of resolution vibrates through generations.”

One of the ways WestCASA endeavours to bridge this gap is through integrated, trauma-informed care.

In the past year, WestCASA has partnered with organisations from the Vietnamese, Pasifika, African, Indian and Aboriginal and TorresStraitIslanderscommunitiestoimprove cultural engagement programming.

A concerted effort has also been made to bring more staff and volunteers from CALD backgrounds onboard.

Even without cultural barriers, addressing such a confronting and personal experience can be immensely difficult.

WestCASA chief executive Annette Vickery said the amount of people who seek support is worryingly low.

“We know from the AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) that 27 per cent of victim survivors of sexual violence will seekaserviceorsupport– that’salownumber,“

shesaid.“Itisunconscionabletothink there are people in our community whowouldnotseeksupportoutoffear of being judged, or their experience devalued.

“Every victim-survivor deserves to be seen, heard and accepted just as they are for the experience which is unique to them.

“The earlier we can support someone to reduce the traumatic impacts of sexual violence, the better outcomes they will have.

“There is then a reduction in flow on impacts of health, mental health and resilience generally, which improves the likelihood that the impacts of sexual violence won’t stop a victim survivor from going on to enjoy their life.”

Often overshadowed in the discourse on sexual assault are men, but WestCASA works to ensure their voices are heard.

Annette said that male victim survivors can be more hesitant to put their hand up.

“What we do know generally speaking is that men disclose sexual violence against them later, and thus at times the traumatic impact of the sexual violence has caused more harm to the person,” she said.

She observed societal stigmas and intrasexualattitudesasfactorsinfluencingthis phenomenon.

“There is a shame factor in men disclosing, which is similar to what women were experiencing generations ago,“ she said.

“Men as a cohort are not yet in a place where they accept this truth, and see and understand this is not about their gender or them as a person, and this should not have happened to them.”

While the organisation has peer support programs of its own, one of WestCASA’s great successes is helping provide a platform for survivors to spread their wings outside the group.

Gabriela has made great inroads outside of WestCASA with her regained sense of self.

“I chose a career I wanted to go into and during that time I have made lifetime friends.

“It’s okay if I fall, I step back, but I know for a fact that I am going to get up and continue.”

To learn more about WestCASA or to find ways to get support, call 92416 0444 or visit: westcasa.org.au

Last year WestCASA started the ‘Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project’ with LaTrobe University. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 442192_02

Above: WestCASA head of clinical services Patrycja Toczek and chief executive Annette Vickery. (Attie Mohebali) 457672_03

Right: WestCASA board chair Mohana Mahadevan. (Supplied)

Encouraging girls and women to shine at Lalor North SC

It brings me enormous pleasure to provide educational leadership at what I believe to be one of the most innovative and caring schools in Melbourne.

While I dearly love my role as Assistant Principal, there is nothing I enjoy more than being in the classroom, and to use my experience in mathematics, science and engineering to engage our students in creativity and inquiry, to encourage them to embrace their futures in solving problems, whether on a local or global scale. It especially makes me proud to lead, encourage and foster the wonderful women of our college – staff and students – to become the best versions of themselves, and to assume

an influential place in our broader society. In this way our women can themselves lead and contribute their passions and knowledge tomakeforafairer,kinderandsmarterworld. I would not swap my work at Lalor North Secondary College for anything because it brings me joy, fulfillment and adventure every day.

So on International Women’s Day, 2025, this is also my wish for every woman to discover their passion, believe in themselves and realise their dreams.

Ms Selen Atilla Assistant Principal, Lalor North Secondary College

Some of the female staff at Lalor Secondary College.

This International Women’s Day, the team at Global Village Learning (GVL) is reflecting on a challenge in alternative education — why is there often an underrepresentation of girls in alternative education environments?

Executive Director Peter Hutton believes that many girls who are unhappy in mainstream education tend to quietly disengage. Consequently, traditional schools can accommodate girls more easily because they are less likely to ‘act out’ or ‘misbehave’ as a symptom of a deeper problem.

“This is not ideal,” Peter explains. “Girls often persist in unsuitable schooling environments for longer, while parents of disengaged boys are morelikelytomovethemintoalternativesettings in response to disciplinary action.”

TheteamatGVL believeinfosteringalearning environment where every learner, regardless

Encouraging more girls into alternative education

of gender, feels seen, heard, and empowered. Its Montessori-inspired, learner-led model is built around curiosity, autonomy, and real-world learning. We know many young people, regardless of gender, thrive when they are empowered to explore, create, and take ownership of their own educational journey.

Associate Principal Pip Cleaves emphasises the importance of making alternative education more accessible to girls.

“We want to see more girls stepping into leadership, innovation, and social impact projects. Wewantfamiliestoknowthatalternativeeducation is not just a last resort for disengaged boys — it’s a powerful, future-focused option for any young person who wants to take charge of their learning journey.”

This International Women’s Day, the team at GVL is calling on parents, educators, and the wider community to help shift the narrative. Let’s ensure thatmoregirlshavetheopportunitytoexperiencea learning environment that nurtures their potential, supports their aspirations, and empowers them to positively impact the world.

Employees get rock solid support from Uniting AgeWell

Big hearted people excel when they work with organisations whose culture aligns with their values. They seek to learn and grow while bringing the best outcomes to the customers they support.

People like Benjamas (Key) Hamilton. Key loves having a career with heart and hopes to be a senior manager at Uniting AgeWell in the future through hard work and steady progression.

OriginallyfromThailand,Keyhasprogressed from her initial role as a cleaner, to working in the laundry to becoming a food services assistant. Now the 38-year-old mother-of-two is studying to become a personal care worker. When she’s got that qualification under her belt, she plans on studying nursing.

“I enjoy working here,” explains Key.

“The staff are supportive and friendly and the role is meaningful.”

Key loves that she’s encouraged to be the best that she can.

“Everyone wants me to succeed. Do you know how incredibly important that is?”

Uniting AgeWell places huge importance on recognising staff dedication and providing a platform for people to excel.

Director AgeWell Services Clare Irvine also enjoys her demanding role while juggling life with a young family.

ClarestartedatUnitingAgeWellinmid-2019 withasix-montholdbaby,followedbyasecond baby two years later.

Promoted to her current role in 2023 Clare says, “Uniting AgeWell in particular is a very family-friendly organisation. Everyone is treated equally, and there is flexibility to allow for career advancement while juggling a young family.”

One of the not-for-profit organisation’s top five strategic priorities is to be an Employer of

Choice. As part of its investment in staff, the Uniting AgeWell Scholarships Program was launched which saw 26 staff awarded in the first round in 2024.

International Women’s Day on 8 March is an opportunity for Uniting AgeWell, with women making up over 80 per cent of its workforce, to celebrate the daily impact women make through their work. To find out more about a career in aged care visit careers.unitingagewell.org/jobs/search

›

Benjamas (Key) Hamilton is being supported to go from strength to strength. (Mark Munro)

FirstSecondThird

OPENING ROUND

MAR 6–9

BrisbaneLionsvsGeelongCats G

SydneySwansvsHawthorn SCG

GoldCoastSunsvsEssendon PFS

GWSGiantsvsCollingwood ES

ROUND 1

MAR 13–16

RichmondvsCarlton MCG

HawthornvsEssendon MCG

GeelongCatsvsFremantle GMHBA

SydneySwansvsBrisbaneLions SCG

WBulldogsvsNthMelbourne MRVL

CollingwoodvsPortAdelaide MCG

AdelaideCrowsvsStKilda AO

MelbournevsGWSGiants MCG

WCoastEaglesvsGoldCoastSuns OS ROUND 2

MAR 20–23

CarltonvsHawthorn MCG

WBulldogsvsCollingwood MCG

EssendonvsAdelaideCrows MCG

PortAdelaidevsRichmond AO

StKildavsGeelongCats MRVL

BrisbaneLionsvsWCoastEagles G NthMelbournevsMelbourne MRVL

FremantlevsSydneySwans OS

ROUND 3

MAR 27–30

EssendonvsPortAdelaide MRVL

CarltonvsWBulldogs MRVL

MelbournevsGoldCoastSuns MCG

StKildavsRichmond MRVL

HawthornvsGWSGiants UTAS

AdelaideCrowsvsNthMelbourne AO

WCoastEaglesvsFremantle OS

ROUND 4

APR 3–6

CollingwoodvsCarlton MCG

GeelongCatsvsMelbourne GMHBA

GoldCoastSunsvsAdelaideCrows PFS

RichmondvsBrisbaneLions MCG

NthMelbournevsSydneySwans MRVL

GWSGiantsvsWCoastEagles ES

PortAdelaidevsStKilda AO

FremantlevsWBulldogs OS

ROUND 5

APR 10–13

AdelaideCrowsvsGeelongCats AO

CollingwoodvsSydneySwans AO

NthMelbournevsGoldCoastSuns BP

CarltonvsWCoastEagles AO

WBulldogsvsBrisbaneLions NO

MelbournevsEssendon AO

RichmondvsFremantle BP

StKildavsGWSGiants NO

PortAdelaidevsHawthorn AO

ROUND 6

APR 17–21

BrisbaneLionsvsCollingwood G

NthMelbournevsCarlton MRVL

WCoastEaglesvsEssendon OS MelbournevsFremantle MCG

AdelaideCrowsvsGWSGiants AO

RichmondvsGoldCoastSuns MRVL

SydneySwansvsPortAdelaide SCG

WBulldogsvsStKilda MRVL

GeelongCatsvsHawthorn MCG

ROUND 7

APR 24–27

MelbournevsRichmond MCG

CollingwoodvsEssendon MCG

FremantlevsAdelaideCrows OS

StKildavsBrisbaneLions MRVL

PortAdelaidevsNthMelbourne AO

GWSGiantsvsWBulldogs MO

GoldCoastSunsvsSydneySwans PFS

CarltonvsGeelongCats MCG

HawthornvsWCoastEagles MRVL

ROUND 8

MAY 1–4

EssendonvsNthMelbourne MRVL

StKildavsFremantle MRVL

WBulldogsvsPortAdelaide MARS

AdelaideCrowsvsCarlton AO

CollingwoodvsGeelongCats MCG

WCoastEaglesvsMelbourne OS

SydneySwansvsGWSGiants SCG

HawthornvsRichmond MCG

BrisbaneLionsvsGoldCoastSuns G

ROUND 9

MAY 8–11

FremantlevsCollingwood OS

StKildavsCarlton MCG

MelbournevsHawthorn MCG

EssendonvsSydneySwans MRVL

GoldCoastSunsvsWBulldogs TIO

PortAdelaidevsAdelaideCrows AO

RichmondvsWCoastEagles MCG

GeelongCatsvsGWSGiants GMHBA

NthMelbournevsBrisbaneLions NS

ROUND 10

MAY 15–18

GoldCoastSunsvsHawthorn TIO

SydneySwansvsCarlton SCG

CollingwoodvsAdelaideCrows MCG

PortAdelaidevsGeelongCats AO

GWSGiantsvsFremantle ES

WBulldogsvsEssendon MRVL

RichmondvsNthMelbourne MCG

BrisbaneLionsvsMelbourne G

WCoastEaglesvsStKilda OS

ROUND 11

MAY 22–25

GeelongCatsvsWBulldogs GMHBA

EssendonvsRichmond MCG

CarltonvsGWSGiants MRVL

HawthornvsBrisbaneLions MCG

NthMelbournevsCollingwood MRVL

FremantlevsPortAdelaide OS

AdelaideCrowsvsWCoastEagles AO

MelbournevsSydneySwans MCG

StKildavsGoldCoastSuns MRVL

ROUND 12

MAY 29–JUN 1

BrisbaneLionsvsEssendon G CollingwoodvsHawthorn MCG

GoldCoastSunsvsFremantle PFS

GWSGiantsvsRichmond ES

SydneySwansvsAdelaideCrows SCG

MelbournevsStKilda TP

WCoastEaglesvsGeelongCats OS

ROUND 13

JUN 5–9

WBulldogsvsHawthorn MRVL

AdelaideCrowsvsBrisbaneLions AO

RichmondvsSydneySwans MCG

GeelongCatsvsGCSuns GMHBA

GWSGiantsvsPortAdelaide MO

NthMelbournevsWCoastEagles HO

CarltonvsEssendon MCG

MelbournevsCollingwood MCG

ROUND 14

JUN 12–15

StKildavsWBulldogs MRVL

HawthornvsAdelaideCrows UTAS

BrisbaneLionsvsGWSGiants G

EssendonvsGeelongCats MCG

NthMelbournevsFremantle OS

PortAdelaidevsMelbourne AO

WCoastEaglesvsCarlton OS

ROUND 15

JUN 19–22

FremantlevsEssendon OS

GeelongCatsvsBrisbaneLions GMHBA

CarltonvsNthMelbourne MCG

PortAdelaidevsSydneySwans AO

CollingwoodvsStKilda MRVL

GWSGiantsvsGoldCoastSuns ES

WBulldogsvsRichmond MRVL

ROUND 16

JUN 26–29

CollingwoodvsWCoastEagles MRVL

FremantlevsStKilda OS

GoldCoastSunsvsMelbourne PFS

HawthornvsNthMelbourne UTAS

PortAdelaidevsCarlton AO

RichmondvsAdelaideCrows MCG

SydneySwansvsWBulldogs SCG

ROUND 17

JUL 3–6

AdelaideCrowsvsMelbourne AO

BrisbaneLionsvsPortAdelaide G

CarltonvsCollingwood MCG

EssendonvsGoldCoastSuns MRVL

GeelongCatsvsRichmond GMHBA

NthMelbournevsWBulldogs MRVL

StKildavsHawthorn MRVL

SydneySwansvsFremantle SCG

WCoastEaglesvsGWSGiants OS ROUND 18

JUL 10–13

CarltonvsBrisbaneLions MRVL

FremantlevsHawthorn OS

GoldCoastSunsvsCollingwood PFS

GWSGiantsvsGeelongCats ES

MelbournevsNthMelbourne MCG

PortAdelaidevsWCoastEagles AO

RichmondvsEssendon MCG

StKildavsSydneySwans MRVL

WBulldogsvsAdelaideCrows MARS

ROUND 19

JUL 17–20

AdelaideCrowsvsGoldCoastSuns AO

BrisbaneLionsvsWBulldogs G

CarltonvsMelbourne MCG

CollingwoodvsFremantle MCG

EssendonvsGWSGiants MRVL

GeelongCatsvsStKilda GMHBA

HawthornvsPortAdelaide UTAS

SydneySwansvsNthMelbourne SCG

WCoastEaglesvsRichmond OS ROUND 20

JUL 24–27

AdelaideCrowsvsPortAdelaide AO

EssendonvsWBulldogs MRVL

HawthornvsCarlton MCG

FremantlevsWCoastEagles OS

GoldCoastSunsvsBrisbaneLions PFS

GWSGiantsvsSydneySwans ES

NthMelbournevsGeelongCats MRVL

RichmondvsCollingwood MCG

StKildavsMelbourne MRVL ROUND 21

JUL 31–AUG 3

AdelaideCrowsvsHawthorn AO CollingwoodvsBrisbaneLions MCG

FremantlevsCarlton OS GeelongCatsvsPortAdelaide GMHBA

GoldCoastSunsvsRichmond PFS

MelbournevsWCoastEagles MRVL

StKildavsNthMelbourne MRVL

SydneySwansvsEssendon

AUG 7–10

BrisbaneLionsvsSydneySwans

AdelaideCrowsvsCollingwood

Hume ramps up its war on waste

By Tom Ingleton

Hume council will “name and shame” people who illegally dump rubbish as it ramps up its war on waste.

Illegal dumping is a major issue for the council, costing it over $5 million annually in collection and clean-up fees, according to councillor Naim Kurt.

Cr Kurt raised the issue during the Monday, February 24 council meeting. He said illegal dumping had become a criminal operation, with offenders using fake number plates and

disposing rubbish by the tonne under the cover of darkness.

“Illegal dumping costs this council over $5 million a year – money which should be going to roads, parks and services, not cleaning up after people who treat our streets like a rubbish tip,” Cr Kurt said.

All councillors voted in favour of the motion and agreed with Cr Kurt that the issue has become one of the biggest challenges facing Hume residents.

The council is now aiming to take a tougher stance, using platforms such as its social media

pages to highlight and expose offenders to the community.

“Where we have footage of them being involvedinthoseoperations,weputthatfootage up on social media, put it up on councillors’ media channels, and name and shame those individuals, particularly when there has been a successful prosecution and they’ve been fined,”

Cr Kurt said.

“Illegal dumping remains one of the biggest issuesinourcommunityandeverydaywehear from residents who want better, and they’re right to demand it.”

Computer help for Arabic speakers

Arabic speakers who want to improve their digital literacy are being encouraged to take part in free Arabic computer classes at Thomastown library.

The classes will run until April 1 and will cover the basics of using a computer, the internet and email.

They will be delivered entirely in Arabic.

YarraPlentyRegionalLibrary(YPRL),which runs the Thomastown library said there are about 92,000 Arabic speakers across Victoria and about 10 per cent of the population of Thomastown speaks Arabic at home, so these classes will help to bridge the digital divide and enhance access to vital government, health and employment services which are increasingly delivered online.

“Learningaboutcomputersandsoftwarecan be challenging. Learning in a second language adds another level of difficulty,” YPRL chief executive Jane Cowell said.

“Without computer skills, it is easy to be left behindandmissoutonimportantinformation, services, and connection to a broader world. That’s why we’re supporting our Arabic speakingcommunitybymakinglearningthese skills as easy as possible,“

Participants have the option to come for all classes or opt for specific ones in the areas they want to improve, with classes covering subjects from email and social media to banking and online shopping.

Details: 9464 1864 or yprl.vic.gov.au

Katya Ewing

(Supplied)

CrAllyWatsonsaidshewasconstantlybeing contacted over the issue.

“I’m getting sick of getting calls day after day of more dumped rubbish,” she said.

“I’mreallypleasedthatwehaveahighuptake of ‘Snap Send Solve’. It’s a fantastic way for our community members to report rubbish but that’s not going to solve the problem.”

Cr Sam Misho also called for more action to tackle the “ongoing phenomena”.

“I’m all for fines to people that actually cause illegal dumping and they should be hefty fines.”

Charges over alleged attacks

Policehavearresteda31-year-oldwoman following the alleged assault of two Muslim women at Pacific Epping last month.

It is alleged the Pascoe Vale woman assaulteda30-year-oldLalorwomanand 26-year-old Wollert woman inside the shopping centre between 1.10-1.20pm on February 13.

Both women sustained non-lifethreatening injuries and were taken to the Northern Hospital for treatment.

Police will allege the victims were targeted due to wearing head coverings.

The Pascoe Vale woman was charged with intentionally and recklessly cause injury, unlawful assault and aggravated assault.ShewillappearbeforeMelbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Investigators are also continuing to investigate a report of online threats being made against one of the victims.

In a statement, police said there was absolutely no place in our society for discriminatory, racist, or hate-based behaviour and such activity would not be tolerated. The alleged attacks drew condemnation from the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan.

Federal Scullin MP Andrew Giles, whose seat takes in Epping, also condemned the alleged incidents.

“Muslim Australians deserve to feel safe and respected,” he said.

Opposition multicultural affairs spokesperson and Northern Metropolitan MP Evan Mulholland said it was extremely upsetting that such attacks where alleged to have taken place in the northern community, which is home to a large Muslim population.

YPRL staff member Nadia Ghaly will deliver the Arabic computer classes.

Downsizers drive demand at eco-friendly community

The first release of sustainable homes in the latest land lease community in Beveridge is attractingstronginterestfromlocaldownsizers looking for green, low maintenance homes and lifestyle benefits, according to developer Ingenia Lifestyle.

The community is the first in Australia to achieve a Green Star Homes Designed assessment for all designs across the 262 home community from the Green Building Council of Australia. Green Star Homes are cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in and good for the planet, and can save residents over $2,000 a yearonhouseholdbillscomparedtoanoriginal 30 year old gas powered home.

The masterplan features 262 architecturally designedhomesandresort-stylefacilitiesspread over 10 hectares. Priced from $475,000**, the homes come with a host of sustainable features such as solar power, hot water heat pump, high performance insulation, all electric appliances, thermally efficient windows, and heat recovery ventilation.

Ingenia CEO John Carfi said: “We’re pioneering a new era of sustainable land lease communities that enhances resident quality of life while lowering running costs. With people living longer, retirement dollars need to stretch further.We’reproudtoofferretireeshomesthat represent the future of affordable, sustainable retirement living right here in Beveridge.”

Retirees Jon and Cheryl Abbott said the home’s green features were a big attraction.

“We currently live in a 43 year old house so moving into a home that uses less energy and is more environmentally friendly is a big tick for us.

“Like everyone, we’re not immune to cost of living pressures, so bill savings will be a significant benefit stemming from our decision.”

The community clubhouse will feature

a lounge area, bar and billiard tables, gold-class-style cinema, indoor heated pool, gym and yoga studio, library, hair salon, croquet and pickleball courts, barbecue area, community garden and workshop.

Construction of the homes has commenced, with the first residents expected to move in mid-2025.

Land lease communities are an increasingly popular option for senior Australians seeking affordablehomes,premiumfacilitiesandsocial activities, with more than 130,000 retirees living in land lease communities around the

Retire in style

New homes are selling now from $475,000* at Ingenia Lifestyle Springside - a brand new community boasting resort-style facilities in picturesque Beveridge.

Downsize to luxury living with low-maintenance 2 and 3 bedroom home designs you’ll love, plus save over $2,000 a year on bills** with our healthy homes, full of sustainable features all included in the purchase price. Our first new homes are move-in ready from mid this year.

Visit our sales office at Craigieburn Central, opposite Australia Post, or call 8723 0136 to book an appointment.

country.***

The Ingenia land lease model means the buyer owns the house but leases the land it is on via a weekly site rental fee. There are no exit fees, deferred management fees (DMF) or stamp duty and buyers get to keep any capital gains.

For more information on Ingenia Lifestyle Springside in Beveridge go to https:// ingenialifestyle.com.au/springside-beveridge or visit the sales office at Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre, opposite Australia Post.

*Compared to an original 30 year old gas home based on Kinesis ‘Green Star Home Sustainability Analysis Report,’ Oct 2024. Visit Ingenialifestyle.com.au/Beveridge for more information.

**Price is based on owning your home and leasing the land and is correct at the time of printing and subject to change without notice. 29.1.25

***Australian Land Lease Communities – An Overview, September 2024, Chadwick Property Valuers.

Visit Ingenialifestyle.com.au/Beveridge for more information.

Ingenia Lifestyle Beveridge

Ingenia CEO John Carfi with retirees Jon and Cheryl Abbott.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

RENW meeting

Join The Residents of Epping North and Wollert (RENW) community association for a community meeting on Wednesday, March 12, from 7-8.30pm at Galada Community Centre. Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny will be in attendance. The meeting will discuss the proposed Wollert waste-to-energy incinerator. Registration required.

 trybooking.com/events/landing/1355075

Author talk

Growing Up Indian in Australia is a vibrant anthology celebrating the diverse experiences of the Indian diaspora in Australian, including reflections on identity, culture, family, food, and expectations. Join Hume Libraries for an author talk with two of the contributing writers, Daizy Maan and Preeti Maharaj. At Craigieburn Library, 75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn, Thursday, March 6, 7-8pm.

 9356 6980

Community festival

The Whittlesea Community Festival is on Sunday, March 16, 11am-5pm, at the Whittlesea Civic Centre lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. There will be live music, entertainment and cultural performances, arts and crafts activities, theatre shows, cooking workshops, a pet expo, food trucks, community stalls, ageing well activities, and face painting.

 https://tinyurl.com/3t8u9uz9

Morning tea

Whittlesea Swim Centre invites all women to celebrate International Women’s Day during a free morning tea on Thursday, March 6, from 10.30-11.30am, at 50 Walnut Street, Whittlesea. Prepare for a day filled with empowerment, camaraderie, and uplifting stories.

 https://www.whittleseaswimcentre.com. au/Events/International-Women-s-DayMorning-Tea

Harmony day

Head to Greenvale West Community Centre on Tuesday, March 18, 10.30-11.30am to celebrate Harmony Day. Take part in a Harmony Day tree craft activity by creating harmony hands to add to the tree. At 7 Ventura Way, Greenvale,  greenvalewestcc@hume.vic.gov.au

National Playgroup Week

A free event will be held at Kalkallo North Community Centre, 24 Koeks Vista, Kalkallo, on Tuesday March 18, from 10.30am-12.30pm, to celebrate National Playgroup Week. There will be fun and engaging children’s activities, face painting, storytime, a visit from Hume library van, representatives from Hume’s maternal child health services , snacks, gifts and more.

 playgroups@hume.vic.gov.au

Women’s Lunch Series

Whittlesea Community Connections will host a women’s lunch on Friday, March 7, 11.30am-2.30pm, at Barry Road Community Activity Centre, 36 Barry Road, Thomastown. This free event is specially designed to bring together a variety of services to help build financial wellbeing and resilience for women. A range of services available on the day to support women with information on their journey.

 9401 6666

Bundoora Probus

Bundoora Probus meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Peter’s Anglican Church hall, Alma Road, Bundoora, at 10am. Make new friends at excursions, lunches, coffee mornings,

walks, craft sessions and Morning Melodies programs. Hear guest speakers at monthly meetings.

 Leanne, 0419 004 997

Voting information session

The Australian Electoral Commission will be conducting an education session on the process of voting in a federal election on Wednesday, March 19, 9.30am-12.30pm at Valley Park Community Centre, 44 Village Crescent, Westmeadows. The session will cover who can vote, how to enrol to vote, how to vote correctly, and where to get help to vote.

 valleyparkcc@hume.vic.gov.au

Craft and garage sale

Bridgewater Retirement Village will host a craft and garage sale, on Saturday, March 29, 9am-noon, at 9 Wedgewood Road Roxburgh Park. Stall holders wanted.

 Liz Munro, 0409 712 613

Adult education

Banksia Gardens Community Services is running adult education courses including an introduction to computers and brushing up on English skills.

 9309 8531

Community singing group

Join the Broadmeadows Community Singers on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. No previous experience needed, just a love of singing.

 Sonja, 0429 587 285

International Women’s Day Celebrate International Women’s Day with Hume council on Friday, March 7,

9.30-11.30am at Town Hall Broadmeadows, 10 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows. Hear from guest speaker Brihony Dawson, a non-binary advocate for gender diversity in sports, Rosa Vasseghi, who overcame trauma to found the Iranian Women’s Choir, and Nicole Appleton, who founded NLA Trucking, a female Aboriginal-owned company. The event will also feature a panel discussing professional experiences and the #MarchForward theme.

Registration required.

 https://tinyurl.com/4jttdvn8

Young parents group

DPV Health’s Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies program in partnership with Whittlesea council, Brave Foundation and Westfield Plenty Valley is a group for young parents every Thursday, from 10.30am – noon during school term. The group is a supportive space that allows young parents to form friendships and develop their parenting skills. It also allows for their young children to play and socialise with other children. At The Y at Westfield Plenty Valley, 415 McDonalds Road, Mill Park.

 Asha Robinson, 0491 934 819

TAC L2P Program

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who do not have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence. Volunteer mentors needed.

 Cynthia Petridis, 0435 653 371

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sunshine Eagles’ Scott Maore in action against Doncaster in the Victorian Summer Baseball League. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 462169_01

Chatty Cafe

Join Mill Park library’s Chatty Cafe for a coffee, tea, and biscuits and meet new friends. The cafe is open every Thursday, from 6.30-7.30pm, at 394 Plenty Road, Mill Park.

 https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/

Senior citizens meet

The Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club regularly meets for games of bingo, carpet bowls and a chat over a cuppa, at the coroner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park.

 Beulah, 0411 422 398

Homestead Walking Group

Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful gardens and meet other locals. Volunteer leaders will meet at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre at 9.30am on Wednesdays for a 30-45 minute walk.

 https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x

Broadmeadows Senior Citizens Club

The club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and first Sunday of the month. It also has indoor carpet bowls, bingo, and snooker and on the third Saturday, and a dance from 7-11 pm. All are welcome.

 Liz Munro, 0409 712 613, or lizmunro7@gmail.com

Craft and Conversation

Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group, from 1-3pm, and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends.

 humelibraries.vic.gov.au

Enjoy a taste of Europe in Melton

Take your tastebuds on a tour through Europe at the Melton Night Market on March 7.

The Melton Town Centre Amphitheatre will come alive with live music, traditional performances, market stalls and mouth-watering European cuisines.

Food vendors will be serving up Greek, Italian, Polish, German, Dutch and French dishes ranging from easy to eat street food to delectable desserts.

Sanacori Italian Trio will entertain market-goers with traditional Italian music and tarantella dancing at 5.15pm, before Dance Creations brings the glamour and allure of the

Moulin Rouge to the stage at 6.15pm.

David Smile will lead an interactive Latin dance workshop at 6.45pm, while Manasis Dance School will showcase traditional Greek dancing at 7.30pm.

Authentic Oompah band, Schunkel Band, will round out the live entertainment with a lively blend of traditional German Oompah music with tuba, accordion, and spirited vocals at 8.15pm.

Melton mayor Steve Abboushi said the night market is a fantastic way to celebrate the municipality’s diversity.

“Immersing ourselves in other cultures and

traditions is the best way to learn and build respect for one another,” Cr Abboushi said.

“Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the shared joy of diversity through food, music, and culture.”

An Oceania theme will cap off the night markets on Friday, April 4, with Polynesian dancing including the Haka and Hula, and more amazing cuisines to try.

Each market will run from 5pm to 9pm.

Details: melton.vic.gov.au/night-markets

462161_01

Artist’s first exhibition on display

A local artist has taken the plunge into the creative world, with his first exhibition officially on display in Deer Park.

William Micallef’s paintings are on showcase at the Hunt Club Community Arts Centre for all residents to enjoy.

Micallef said his first exhibition was about “finally taking the plunge” and getting his work out there to “test the waters” about his artwork.

“I basically want to get some non-biased feedback from the public,” he said.

“It would be interesting to know what the general public thinks.”

As someone who was hesitant to show his work, Micallef hopes his exhibition will inspire other artists.

“It is a privilege to put my work out there for Brimbank residents to enjoy,” he said.

“I never thought it would get this far as I started painting for the joy of it and never really expected to reach an exhibition stage.

“So, my message to other artists is to keep

doing what you love and you never know what it could turn into.”

Micallef is also hoping viewers will acquire a new perspective on art ownership.

“People who look through my exhibition will perhaps consider buying an original piece of art, next time they are thinking about getting a picture for the wall instead of a mass produced print,” he said.

“They would then have something unique.”

Micallef’s exhibition will be on display at the centre until April 4.

The tale of two Altona nurses to be told

The Louis Joel Arts and Community centre (LJAC) in Altona is an appropriate place for the new play Ivy and Sylvia to be performed.

Not only is it a production by Altona-based theatre company Dramawerkz, but Louis Joel sits on the site of the old Altona District Hospital where the two nurses the play is based on, Ivy Weber and Sylvia Koch, once worked. And as Dramawerkz chief executive and Ivy and Sylvia writer and performer, Mia Boonen explained, being given a working space at the LJAC was how she found out about them.

“Last year the final medical centre parts of the Louis Joel centre were given back to the community and we (Dramawerkz) were given a room in the centre and decided to explore its past and all the kind of ghosts that might be there,” Boonen said.

“We heard from the pathology clinic that the

the hallways. We started to look into her and we discovered Ivy Weber and SylviaKoch.Theywerenursesinthe1920’sand 30’s and the backbone of health in Altona.”

Hume teen’s first exhibition

A Hume teenager will present a solo exhibition in Mount Macedon, presenting works across a range of media.

Presenting her exhibition titled, Visions Unveiled, at The Gallery Mount Macedon, 13-year-old Amaya De Silva will showcase a collection that demonstrates her skills across a wide range of media.

De Silva developed a love of art at a young age – particularly drawing animals – and was introduced by her mother to an art teacher who has tutored her over the past four years in oil painting, drawing, mosaic, and resin art.

She was introduced through her tutor to modern art movements like surrealism, abstraction, and pop art, with her upcoming exhibition demonstrating her perceptive understanding of art.

She thoroughly plans each artwork, with her preparation processes using small, fast sketches – then considering composition layout, conceptual meanings, and the appropriate medium before bringing her artwork to life.

Works presented in this collection were created by De Silva over the past few years.

Visions Unveiled will run from Monday, March 3 until Saturday, April 6, with an opening afternoon from 2–4pm on Saturday, March 8.

The Gallery is open from 10am–4pm from Friday to Tuesday at 684 Mt Macedon Road, Mount Macedon –behind Mount Macedon Trading Post.

Details: thegallerymtmacedon.com.au

The play is an imagined conversation between Ivy and Sylvia, and tells the story of two women with vastly different approaches to their shared goals: providing healthcare in Altona during a time of economic recession and prioritising women when many others refused.

“It’s a story about local history with a lot of themes that are still relevant now like women’s health care and community fundraising and shared resources,” said Boonen of the play whichhasapreviewperformanceonThursday, March 20, before its official opening night on Friday, March 21.

Ivy and Sylvia closes on Sunday, March 30.

Details: https://events.humanitix.com/ivyand-sylvia?discountcode%3DBUSHHOSPITAL1932 Cade Lucas

William Micallef’s first exhibition is on display at Deer Park. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Schunkel Band’s Phil Carroll and Stefan Grant. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 462085_01

Cast members Scarlett Rose (Ivy) and Mia Boonen (Sylvia). (Attie Mohebali) 457880_04

A work created by Hume artist Amaya De Silva this year. (Supplied)

FEDERALELECTIONSURVEY

What issues matter most this Federal Election in suburban Australia?

As one of the largest publishers of independent community news in Victoria, Star News Group is conducting this simple survey to gauge community sentiment around the forthcoming federal election.

Please take 5 minutes to have your say and be part of this important conversation. The results of the survey will help us gauge the appetite of readers toward the forthcoming Federal Election and we will share results with our readers.

You can either fill in the survey below and email in or complete the survey online (Simply scan the QR code below)

1. What do you see as the single most important issue in the upcoming federal election?

8. Regarding immigration policy, do you believe the next government should:

Increase immigration

Reduce Immigration

Keep it about the same

9. At this point are you more likely to vote for:

2. Please select the top 5 of the following issues that are "Extremely Important" to you:

Electricity Prices

Climate Change Policies

Inflation (Cost of Living)

Health Services

Immigration and border control

National roads and rail infrastructure

Water infrastructure

Broadband interenet access

Please specify:

3. Please select the top 5 of the following issues that are "Least Important" to you:

Electricity Prices

Climate Change Policies

Inflation (Cost of Living)

Health Services

Immigration and border control

National roads and rail infrastructure

Water infrastructure

Broadband interenet access

Please specify:

4. Which is more important to you?

Cheapest electricity possible

Reducing carbon emissions

5. Do you support nuclear energy in Australia?

Yes No

6. Would you support a nuclear plant in your local area?

Yes No

7. Where would you most like to see a local increase in federal funding, and why?

Local hospitals

Local national highways

Local infrastructure project Defence

Other

Once completed, please scan or photograph your completed survey and email to:

A major party (Labor or Coalition)

A minor party

An independent

10. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how significant do you think the influence of social media is on public discourse and political decisionmaking in Australia?

1 2 3 4 5 Why?

11. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how concerned are you about global security currently?

1 2 3 4 5 Why?

12. On a scale of 1 to 5, (5 the highest), how concerned are you about housing affordability in your region? 1 2 3 4 5

13. In your opinion, how important is improved national road and transport infrastructure in your region? 1 2 3 4 5

14. What specific infrastructure projects do you believe should be prioritised in your region?

15. Are there any other local or regional issues that you feel are not getting enough attention in the federal election campaign? Please share your thoughts.

16. What age group do you fall into? 0-25 26-40 41-60 61-75 Over 76

First Name: Last Name: Daytime Contact Phone No:

Thank you for completing the survey. We really appreciate your support and value your opinion - Star Weekly Team

CAREER

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

10 words: Good 15 words: Very good 21 words: Excellent

3 LETTERS

of

2 The Cole Porter song You’re TheTop is from which 1934 musical?

3 Which insects are the larval forms of members of the order Lepidoptera? 4 From which region are the 12 astrological

6 Which actor played James Bond in From Russia with Love?

7 Where was the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara born?

8 In which year was the Sydney Opera House opened?

9 In which state is the city of Bunbury located?

10 Which angel appeared to Mary during the Annunciation?

How does Honda Civic stack up?

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Civic received a mild makeover towards the end of last year.

The refreshed model sees the sporty styling enhanced with a new front bumper and radiator grille that combined produce improved aerodynamics.

The previous petrol-powered entry model has made way for the hybrid e:HEV L, powered by the same petrol-electric setup that powers the more expensive LX.

You might think Honda is a little late to the hybrid party, but along with Toyota was one of the pioneers of hybrid technology with the launch of the Honda Insight way back in 2001.

The two-seat Insight with its wheel spats was Australia’s first hybrid, beating the Prius to market.

Styling Civic has become a large small car over the years, with plenty of legroom front and back.

But it sits pretty low to the road and getting in and out could be an issue for older drivers.

Thecabinhasamorepremiumfeel,compared to the hard plastics of the previous model, with a clever, long thin honeycomb grille that hides the air vents in front.

The plunging roofline makes rear access difficult so watch your head, but legroom is good and air outlets prevent it from becoming claustrophobic back there.

The deep luggage area provides reasonable storage space, with 409 litres of luggage capacity.

The refresh unfortunately comes with a price increase, making the Civic even more expensive.

Fortunately, it is limited to $900 and is the first increase since the introduction of the current model in 2022.

Civic comes in two flavours these days, both of them now hybrids.

There’s the 2.0 e:HEV L, priced from $49,900 and 2.0 e:HEV LX, priced from $55,900. That still leaves the fire-breathing Civic Type R, priced from $74,100 - but that’s another story altogether.

These prices by the way are driveaway and non-negotiable, as part of Honda’s new sales strategy.

What does one get for their Civic money?

Standard kit includes a leather-accented interior with cloth seat inserts, dual-zone climate air, 18-inch alloys, walk-away locking,

Safety

The Honda Civic hybrid carries a five-star safety rating.

Both models feature 11 airbags, a reverse camera with guidelines and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist).

It has dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting airbags are standard, as well as a driver and passenger knee airbag.

A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.

A lane support system with lane-keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard.

Engines/transmissions

LEDlightsfrontandbackwithautohighbeam, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and steering wheel, auto lights and wipers and front and rear parking sensors.

LX adds full-leather trim, ambient interior lighting, power-adjust front seats, auto-dimming interior mirror, wireless phone charger and a panoramic sunroof.

Civic comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year premium roadsideassistanceandfivelow-pricedservices.

Infotainment

The infotainment system consists of the same smallish but functional 9.0 inch touchscreen as before.

It’s powered by a new Google-based operating system and includes built-in apps and services like Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store. It supports Bluetooth with audio streaming, AM/FM and DAB digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

There are four USB-C ports plus 12 volt outlets in the front and luggage area, but this grade misses out on wireless phone charging.

A premium 12 speaker Bose audio system is standard in both grades.

Physical buttons are provided for such features as home and return, along with a volume knob.

Honda Connect permits you to remotely adjust climate control settings, as well as lock or unlock the car, check the vehicle location and receive car status checks.

A three-year subscription is included.

The hybrid combines two electric motors with a 2.0-litre direct injection Atkinson style four-cylinder engine.

In addition to direct injection, a number of technologies such as low temperature active catalysts and a modified intake port design contribute to improved fuel efficiency while achieving specific output.

The result is a combined maximum motor output of 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, the latter available from 0-2000 rpm. With the exception of Type R, it is the highest output ever offered by a Civic. Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT-style continuously variable automatic transmission, with four drive modes from which to choose: Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode.

Driving

The18-inchwheelsareshodwithgrippy235/40 series Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.

The powertrain prioritises electric running, with the ICE chipping in from cold starts, or when battery charge is running low. Regenerative braking that feeds power back to the battery when coasting can be adjusted via steering wheel paddles.

While the Civic is reasonably quick off the mark thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor, Civic tends to run out of breath on the open road.

Like the similarly-powered CR-V hybrid, which has a little more torque, this becomes especially evident when it comes to overtaking and climbing long, steep hills.

It’s then the CVT comes to the fore and the

transmissionbeginstowaillikeabansheeinits endeavour to meet the demands of the driver. Atthispoint,Sportmodecomesintoitsown, as it tries to compensate for the rural-induced asthma. Sport mode alters the E-CVT and throttle mapping for sportier throttle response and a sportier feel. When in Sport mode, power steering calibrations are optimised for increased steering feel. The gauges also gain a red accent while in Sport mode. It brings the Civic to life, ramping up the revs, enhancing throttle response and giving the vehicle a much sportier feel.

But of course, it must be selected each and everytimeyoustartthevehicle.Incomparison, performance in Economy mode is woeful and we gave it away within minutes.

Normal as the name suggests is fine for most situations, while Individual mode enables the driver to select individual settings including engineresponsiveness,steeringfeelandgauges. In addition, with Sport mode activated Active Sound Control boosts the engine note. Active noise control helps to reduce cabin noise.

By far and away the best aspect of the new Civic is the comfort and quality of the ride. The previous model was good, this one is outstanding.

Steering is light and the ride quality is generallyprettygood,althoughcabinnoisecan be intrusive on coarse bitumen as can be the ride can become jarring.

With a 40-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 4.2L/100km and it runs happily on standard 91 RON unleaded.

We were getting 4.1L/100km after 510km of mixed driving which is very close to the manufacturer’s claim.

A tyre repair kit is provided in the event of a flat tyre.

Summing up

It’s good to see Honda has a game plan as the brands jostle to accommodate the arrival of the Chinese.

But the proof is in the pudding and the latest figuresshowthatHondaisnotoneofthetop10 sellingbrandsinAustralia,nordoesithaveany cars in the list of top 10 selling cars. Toputthisinperspective,Civicwasonceone of the best-selling cars in the world. It kind of suggests the sales strategy might not be working because what we’re left with is anexpensiverangeofcarswithnowiggleroom - that can’t be good?

The latest figures show that Honda is not one of the top 10 selling brands in Australia, nor does it have any cars in the list of top 10 selling cars.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Finals fever heats up in the north

Finals are heating up in some competitions, while seasons are coming to a close in other competitions and others just getting underway. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Bacchus Marsh players wait in the dugout. 462439_15

Bacchus Marsh’s Justin Webster. 462443_01

Newport Rams celebrate their win. 462423_21

Spotswood’s Sandeep Mandalika. 462426_02

Newport Rams’ Tayla Wilmot. 462423_06

Darley’s Dilan Chandima. 462439_01

Newport Rams’ Hiro Kinjo. 462423_02

Hoppers Crossing’s Harshit Takkar. 462426_11

Werribee’s Chris Smithwick. 462443_04

Werribee players look over the bowls. 462443_11

Keilor Football Club stripped of ‘23 premiership

Keilor Football Club said it is “devastated” by the outcome to strip it of the 2023 Essendon District Football League premier division premiership.

The Blues faced a player payments disciplinary committee hearing on Tuesday night after charges were laid in relation to player payment rules for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The committee found the club was in breach of the player payment rules in both years.

The club exceeded the $100,000 limit in 2022 by $605 and exceeded the allowable player payment limit of $110,000 by $45,100 in the 2023 season.

Sanctions imposed by the committee includes Keilor forfeiting the 2023 premier division premiership.

The club’s salary cap will be reduced by 15 per cent for each of the 2025, 2026 and 2027 football seasons, and the club has also been

fined $50,000 with $20,000 suspended pending compliance by Keilor with the EDFL player payment rules for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 football seasons.

Keilor will be subjected to allowable player payment integrity reviews, at the club’s expense, at the conclusion of the 2025 and 2026 football seasons.

In a statement, Keilor president Shaun Morris said the club had been completely open and transparent to the EDFL, AFL Victoria and independent auditors from the beginning of the investigation.

“We want to be clear that despite this outcome, we do not believe we benefited in any way above the competition and all other competing clubs,” he said.

“The Keilor Football Club takes pride in its leadership, integrity and passion for local sport and community involvement.

“We are run and operated by a wide variety

of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that our club is run and operates to the levels that we do.

“While these sanctions are a setback, they will not define us. We remain committed to competing on the field with respect for the rules and guidelines of our competitions.”

Morris said while the club acknowledge the administrative error in timing of payments that led to this situation and breach, the club was well under the limit for the 2024 season and have been approved by AFL integrity auditor as part of this investigation.

“We would also like to confirm that all charges listed, had previously been ticked off and approved late in 2023, after we were originally reviewed by AFL Victoria-appointed review panel,” Morris said.

EDFL chairman Ian Price said the integrity of the competition is paramount and it remains committed to upholding the rules and

Demons finish on a high

By Tara Murray

Tullamarine made sure it avoided relegation while ending Newport-Digman’s finals hopes in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield on Saturday.

It’s been a tough season for the Demons as they rebuild, with just two wins on the board and only one of them from taking the points on the day.

That mattered little against the Bulls on Saturday in a one-dayer as the Demons managed to get over the line in a low scoring affair to make it a third win for the season.

Demons captain-coach Peter Labbad said everyone was so excited after the win.

“We were pumped, we jumped to third last,” he said. “It was a miracle win.

“They had to beat us to finish in the top four. The captain of Maribyrnong Park [St Mary’s] messaged me afterwards and said he loves us.”

The Demons batted first and at 0-60 were looking good. Once one wicket fell they continued to fall and they were bowled out for

135.

Labbad top scored with 55 at the top of the order with only two other bats reaching double figures.

“After a good start I thought we should have been pushing for 200,” he said. “We lost our way, but it was the first time all season we’ve had something decent to defend.”

The Bulls never got going in their innings and were bowled out for 112.

Labbad said it was a batters wicket, with the bowlers from both sides bowling really well.

Ethan Berger took three wickets for the Demons, including two early on. Christopher Kenny also took three wickets.

Labbad said Berger was one of the real positives out of this season.

“He’s our opening bowler and is only 18 or 19,” he said. “He took the first two wickets on Saturday and bowled with a lot of steam.

“I promised him he would open the bowling all year in the ones. That is what this season is about.”

Labbad said at the start of the season they

regulationsoftheleague,andtheexpectationof clubs to adhere to those rules and regulations.

“We will acknowledge Keilor FC’s excellent co-operation and full disclosure throughout the integrity review and player payment disciplinary committee hearing,” he said.

“We also acknowledge that the club’s breaches were not dishonest or wilful.“

Keilor’s 2023 season was one of the most dominant in the EDFL competition. The Blues went through the season undefeated and had an average winning margin of more than 80 points in the regular season.

No details have been released by the EDFL in regards to what will happen with the 2023 premiership. Strathmore lost that grand final.

On Thursday, the league announced that Burnside Heights would also face a player payments disciplinary committee hearing.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

EDFL

Tullamarine has announced a new look leadership group for the Essendon District Football League women’s season. Laura Damore has been named captain, with Taylah Hardman named vice-captain. Amy Warden and Sophie Kelly round out the leadership group as deputy co vice-captains.

VSDCA

Plenty Valley remains in the top six heading into the final round of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-east season despite a loss on Saturday. The Bats were chasing 159 and were bowled out for just 80. Croydon decided to go for an outright win, quickly making 7-77 in its second innings leaving the Bats needing 157 from an outright win. The Bats pushed hard by falling short, finishing 4-149. A final round win against Coburg will be enough to secure a final spot, a loss means they will have to rely on other results.

VTCA

Westmeadows and Craigieburn’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division seasons have come to an end. Both sides were sitting a game outside the top four heading into the final round and needed to win and hope results went their way to play finals. Westmeadows fell just short against Airport West St Christophers. Chasing 8-195, the Warriors were bowled out for 184. Craigieburn was set a big challenge against Yarraville Club, which made 6-325. The Eagles finished 9-262 in reply. The Warriors finished the season in sixth, the Eagles in seventh.

expected to finish bottom and were looking at relegation.

He said it was a miracle to finish where they did.

“All the odds were stacked against us this year,” he said. “We had no money and it was all home grown players.

“I 100 per cent thought we would get relegated. To get where we did, we’ll look to build next year and maybe push for finals.”

The Demons under-14 will play in a grand final this Friday night against Avondale Heights. Most of that squad has played part of the season in the first and second XI sides as well.

“In the last five games, eight to 10 of the under-14s have been at our games with air horns and supporting us.

“We’ll be there cheering on Friday night.”

Meanwhile, the Greenvale Kangaroos will be relegated after finishing last.

In the Russell Pollock Shield, Donnybrook finished the regular season in third spot after a final round win against Jacana.

NWMCA

Both Westmeadows women’s sides are through to the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s grand finals. The gold side won through to the Geoff Law Shield final in a thriller. Facing Pascoe Vale Hadfield in the semi finals, the Warriors made 3-158 before restricting the Panthers to 3-153. The Warriors will face the Falcons in the grand final. In the Georgie McElligott Shield, Westmeadows green beat Keilor to set up a grand final with the Greenvale Kangaroos.

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Peter Labbad. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 445372_02

New shield for the Sunbury Jets and Hume City

There will be more than bragging rights on the line as the Hume City Broncos and Sunbury Jets do battle in the Big V championship from now on.

The two clubs announced that they would now play for the Milner-Sellwood Hume City Shield, which is focused on strengthening the Hume council area connection.

Inajointstatementtheclubssaidtheconcept of introducing a perpetual challenge shield as a focus for their competitive encounters on the basketball court and to showcase the sport at the Big V elite championship level, was born out of the clubs’ desire to connect more deeply with the wider Hume community.

“By establishing a challenge series such as this we are hoping that the current supporter base for both clubs can broaden our collective reachtoengagethosesectorsofourcommunity yet to experience this great family sport,” Jets president Glenn Ogston said.

Broncos president Peter Jackson echoed

those comments, adding “It’s great that SunburyandBroadmeadowshavecollaborated to stage an annual sports event that serves to reinforce positive community values for Hume City through the examples of teamwork and

development pathways.”

The shield has been named after individuals who have not only achieved accolades for their achievements in basketball but have also been long-standing residential members of Hume, who continue to work tirelessly in advocating for, and implementing, sports based inclusive community programs.

Milner is one of the Broncos greatest players having played in the club’s first under-18 Victorian Championship and captaining four Big V championships.

She also had a long WNBL career.

Milner is currently working as project manager for the association driving community engagement and youth leadership programs focused on the diverse, marginalised and under-represented areas of Dallas and Hume Central.

Sellwood played in more than 350 Big V games, the majority with the Jets.

Sellwood has been part of three

Hume fire up late again

By Tara Murray

Hume City’s fitness again shone through late as it got its second win of the National Premier League season.

Most of Hume’s goals this season have come late in games and it was no different against Dandenong City on Friday night.

Hume trailed 1-0 after half time, but took control of the game after half time to win 3-0.

Hume coach Riccardo Marchioli said it was a really important win early in the season.

“It’s a tough place to go and get three points, it was a good one,” he said.

“It’s never easy going there, the pitch is a bit shorter. I thought we were a bit cagey early.”

Marchioli said he felt scores could have easily been locked at 0-0 at half time.

Hefeltneithersidehadmanyopportunities early in the game.

“In the first half there weren’t too many chances,” he said.

“I thought we were hard done by in the lead up to their first goal.

“But he couldn’t have hit it any better than he did. We were unlucky to be behind.”

Marchioli said they felt they controlled the second half and it was only a matter of time before they hit the scoreboard.

He said they were always confident that one goal would lead to more.

“We’re the fittest team in the competition,” he said. “In the last 25 minutes it was good to score a few goals.

“It comes down to that fitness. We get that momentum going late in games.

“If we’re still in with a chance late in games, other sides are a chance to be steamrolled.”

Michael Domfeh and Birkan Kirdar were the goal scorers for Hume, with the second goal coming through an own goal.

After four rounds, Hume sits fifth on the ladder with a 2-1-1 record.

Marchioli said they would have liked to have had a slightly better start to the season saying they should have won their round three match which would have put them closer to the top.

“They were an important three points and puts us in the mix at the top with one more match to go tonight [Monday],” he said.

“It will show where we are at. It’s a better place than chasing the pack as I expect to finish in the top four.

“We would have liked to have been a little closer to Avondale already at this early stage as they’ve gone four from four.”

Hume is back in action on Friday night against Altona Magic.

Marchioli said he expected to beat the

championships – 1999, 2008 and 2009 – and was named his division’s most valuable player award in 2002 when he averaged 28 points a game.

He is currently the vice-president of the association, with the Jets saying his leadership extends beyond basketball, with strong contributions throughout the community, positively impacting both the association and the region.

The shield event format will feature points awarded for wins from Big V fixtured games between the Broncos and Jets men’s and women’schampionshipdivisionteamsin2025.

The inaugural Milner-Sellwood Hume City Challenge Shield will kick off on Saturday, March 29, at Boardman Stadium as both clubs kick off their seasons.

Thewomenwillplayat6pmandthemenwill follow after at 8pm.

Tara Murray

Sterjovski enjoying new challenge

New Uni Hill Eagles coach Tony Sterjovski is looking forward to a new challenge at the state league 2 north-west club.

Sterjovski spent the past eight seasons coaching Lalor United, including taking them to champion success.

He has now moved to the club that he coached against last year.

“The club has a clear vision and definitely on the right path to climb the ladder with great people running the club,” he said.

“Coincidentally Fizz [Ibrahim], who currently is the head of football at Uni Hill was my team manager back in the day when I was playing for Preston Lions and now we reunite which is fantastic.”

SterjovskisaidaftereightyearsatLalor it feels like he is starting from scratch again. He said it was a different feeling heading into this season. The Eagles finished last season in seventh, their first season at that level.

“I’m pretty much starting from scratch with building a solid team of new players and getting to know everyone at the club.

“But feeling really excited for my new challenge and looking forward to it.”

Sterjovski said the squad was looking really good and they had added nine players to the team. He said it was a good mix of youth and experience which gives him a good balance.

Sterjovski said they were hoping to work very hard this season and go from there.

“We’re hoping to be in the mix come season end,” he said. “We will definitely give it a good shot.”

TheEagleswereinactioninthesecond round of the Australia Cup on Friday night against La Trobe University.

The Eagles put on a show, leading 5-0 at half time before finishing with an 8-0 win.

Samuel Hershey, Robert Mackay and Danny Barakat scored two goals each for the Eagles.

Also among the goalscorers was former Socceroo Ivan Franjic.

The Melbourne Knights coach retired from playing in the National Premier League last year, but said at the time he still might play lower level competitions.

The Eagles will face Beaumaris in the third round.

Sharin Milner and Nathan Sellwood. (Shawn Smits)

Magic, but said coach Goran Lozanovski had them playing a brand of soccer that was making them hard to play against. In the Victorian Premier League 2

competition, Whittlesea United lost to the Eltham Redbacks on Friday night. Whittlesea has a 1-1-2 record after four rounds.

Harry Ascroft. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Aberfeldie teammates are Cannons co-captains

Calder Cannons co-captains Hamish Bird and Jackson Barber said they’re both privileged to lead the side in the Coates Talent League boys competition this year.

The pair were named co-captains with Hussein El Achkar named vice-captain of the squad.

Bird, who played the most games as a bottom-age player for the Cannons last season, said it feels great to receive that honour.

“It’s such a privilege, I can not wait,” he said. “I found out last night [Tuesday night] and it was really good and the family was there once it was announced.

“My teammates and some of the coaches voted me in and it’s a privilege that they voted me in.”

Barber,whoplayedsixgameslastseason,said he had been hoping to get into the leadership group.

“Last year I looked up to Damon [Hallow] and to be in the same position is unreal, it’s

such a privilege,” he said.

“He was a good leader and I thought we had a pretty good year. I wanted to get into the leadership group, but being captain is unreal.”

For the pair it continues a connection that started at their home club of Aberfeldie.

Both said they were great mates and had a good bond already.

Barber said they were both pretty vocal and would make sure they would get around their younger teammates.

Bird said they would all work towards team success.

BirdhasbeenattheCannonssinceunder-16s and said he felt that he’d made inroads each season.

“The coaches have put in a lot of work with me and each year I’ve gotten better,” he said.

“Credit goes to them for what they have put into me.

“The second half of the season I was a lot

more confident with playing at this level.”

Both boys are keen to start the season well and be in the mix for Vic Metro selection.

Bird played in Vic Metro in under-16s before missing out last season.

“I’ll put my best foot forward and start strong and give myself the best opportunity to get selected for Vic Metro,” he said.

Barber shared a similar view and has set himself a target for the Cannons season.

“Thefirstthreegamesarethemostimportant individually and as a team,” he said. “It’ll be nice to get a good start myself and hopefully start the year well.

“Iwillhopefullytakethenumbertallforward thisyearasakeylockdowndefender.Icanalso be an intercept defender.”

The Cannons will have practice matches against the Northern Knights and Western Jets in the coming weeks.

Tara Murray

Bulls charge into finals

By Tara Murray

Bundoora won a final round thriller to ensure its spot in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield finals.

The Bulls entered the final round in fourth spot, with Macleod hot on their heels.

A win would be enough for the Bulls to play finals, while a loss would mean they would have to rely on other results.

The Bulls won a thriller with Rosanna on Saturday to ensure that it didn’t have to worry about anyone else. Macleod ended up losing on the final ball to Riverside.

Bulls president Stuart Adams said he believed it had been about 12 years since they had played finals in the Barclay Shield.

He said a lot of people had done hard work to get them back to this level.

“It’s exciting,” he said. “From a Bundoora point of view, for almost 100 years we’ve been playing in the Barclay Shield.

“We went down for a couple of years and a lot of people put in a lot of hard work. We’ve excited to be back in the Barclay Shield finals.

Rosanna made 7-201 from its 40 overs with

Thomas Bourke making 90.

Rubal Singh Dhillon and Uzair Abdullah took two wickets each for the Bulls.

After a strong start the Bulls then lost wickets in clumps, before some small partnerships.

At 6-193 the Bulls were on track for victory before they lost both set batters and another wicket.

The Bulls managed to just get home, hitting the winning runs with two balls remaining finishing 9-202.

Prabhnoor Bhalla top scored with 65 at the top of the order, while skipper Andrew Fairchild made a handy 43.

Adams said they made the job on Saturday a bit harder than it should have been.

“If we would have lost, I don’t think we would have been able to handle the Macleod game going down to the wire.

“We lost a few wickets late, but were able to get over the line. The guys were still pretty confident to get across the line, but it was just harder than it should have been.”

The Bulls will now face Riverside in a semi final with a grand final spot on the line.

Upfield

sets the bar high

Upfield has its sights set on promotion in the FV state league 1 north-west competition.

In its third season in the top state league flight, Upfield believes it has the sidetomakethejumpintotheVictorian PremierLeague2competitionaccording to president Wally Hanna.

“We will be pushing for promotion and be much better than last year,” he said. “We have strengthened our squad.

“We want to play to win and we’ve got that winning mentality every time we go out there.

“We want to push the club to the VPL. We’re already talking with the council about how we will shape up in terms of facilities if we get to that stage.”

Hanna said they had 11 players return from last season.

They added another eight players to the club and would have a squad of 24 thisseasonwithotherplayerspromoted.

“We’ve got a lot from other state league 1 clubs and NPL [National Premier League] club as well,” Hanna said.

“It is a bit of a drive for them but we have ambition and they share that motivation to be playing for promotion.

Adams said Riverside had been the team to beat all season.

“It’s always a big challenge,” he said. “On our day we have plenty of talent and ability to put it all together.

“We’ll play our best cricket and see what happens.

Bundoora United and Epping both finished their seasons with wins on Saturday.

The Bulldogs played out a thriller as well, sneaking home against Research Eltham Collegians.

The Bulldogs made 9-146 from their overs. Skipper Joel Thompson top scored with 33.

TheCollegianswerebowledoutfor135with two balls remaining.

Narada Ratnayake and Lee Solar took three wickets each for the Bulldogs.

Epping had a solid win against North Eltham Wanderers.

The Wanderers were bowled out for 106 in the 35th over.

Todd Hughes took 4-17 off eight overs.

The Pingers run chase wasn’t the easiest but they got the job done, finishing 7-107.

Shanyn Kearney top scored with 42.

Upfield kicked off its Australia Cup campaign on Friday against the Whittlesea Ranges, losing 1-0.

Hanna said before the game that they were hoping to get through without any injuries.

“We’ve got about seven injuries,” he said. “We’ll play with a mix of seniors and reserves.

“We’re trying to save players for three weeks. The season is more important.

“We’ll trial some of the youngsters. We’re not worried about the result.”

Hanna said things across the club continued to go well.

He said they had seen some really good growth across the whole club. He said the only issue was not having enough room for everyone to train for longer periods of times.

“We’ve been able to attract more juniors and kids,” he said.

“We’ve grown our female program. We have five female sides this season, four junior teams and a senior team.”

Tara Murray

Calders Cannons’ vice-captain Hussein El Achkar, and co-captains Jackson Barber and Hamish Bird. (Supplied)

Rubal Singh Dhillon. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 456802_02